The Warner Bros. Collection

Performer: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Artist: Paul Simon; The Winans
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Joseph Shabalala, Albert Mazibuko, Geoffrey Mdletshe, Headman Shabalala, Russel Mnthembu, Ben Shabalala, Jockey Shabalala, Jabulani Mwelase, Abednigo Mazibuko, Inos Phungula (vocals). Additional personnel includes: Paul Simon, The Winans (vocals). Producers: Paul Simon, Russ Titelman, Ray Phiri, Marvin L. Winans, Joseph Shabalala. Compilation producer: Shawn Amos. Engineers include: Roy Halee, Josh Abbey, Mike Brown. Recorded between 1986 & 1990. Includes liner notes by Paul Simon & Joanne Morris. Digitallly remastered by Patrick Kraus. Signing with Warner Brothers after their high-profile appearance on Paul Simon's GRACELAND, the South African vocal ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo recorded a number of albums for the label in the late 1980s and early '90s, the first three of which are represented on this solid 17-track collection. Simon is on hand to bookend the set by joining the group, led by founding member Joseph Shabalala, on the resonant "Homeless" (co-penned by Simon and Shabalala) and a soothing rendition of "Amazing Grace," while Ladysmith also collaborate with the Winans gospel family on the slick, synthesizer-laden "Leaning on the Everlasting Arm." Though this is some of the group's most accessible material, their stunning vocal harmonies remain powerfully captivating. Some songs, such as the aforementioned tunes, are performed in English, but many others (the lilting "Unomathemba," the majestic "Ibhubesi") stay truer to Ladysmith's Zulu roots, making this the best introduction to the long-running South African act.

From the South African musical style mbube, Ladysmith Black Mambazo popularized a more modern, sophisticated offshoot known as iscathamiya. They quickly became the genre's leading practitioners, with a vocal harmony blend that incorporated everything from mbube to gospel and doo wop. The group began recording in the mid-1970s, gaining great acclaim in their home country, but it wasn't until their collaboration with Paul Simon on his GRACELAND album in 1986 that Ladysmith broke through to an international audience. World tours, a US major-label deal, and a Grammy award followed.

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